Government Presents Mlomwe Primary School with 10 Laptops: Is Student Advantage Realized?
In the heart of Zimbabwe, a promising development is unfolding as Starlink, a satellite internet service, is being deployed to connect remote schools. This is part of the ongoing efforts under the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 plan, a national initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide between rural and urban learners.
Recently, Mlomwe Primary School in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, received an ICT equipment donation. The package included 10 laptops, one projector, and one whiteboard, all aimed at improving access to technology for rural learners.
However, the arrival of Starlink is only the first step in addressing the digital divide for rural learners. The infrastructure gap for internet connectivity in remote schools has been a significant challenge. But with Starlink, this potential is promising.
Despite limited access in the past, students have managed to make use of older ICT equipment when available. The ongoing distribution of ICT equipment to rural schools under the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 plan could be further enhanced with reliable internet access provided by Starlink.
Mt Selinda High School in Chipinge district is a notable example of Starlink's success. The school has successfully installed Starlink, enabling high-speed internet access for students and teachers. This has supported online research, live-streamed lessons, and professional development, aligning with the government’s Vision 2030 and efforts to integrate digital learning in rural education.
However, widespread adoption remains constrained due to the high cost of Starlink kits ($600–$700) and monthly subscriptions (~$50), which are unaffordable for many low-income households. The government has not directly subsidized school subscriptions broadly, but some NGOs, schools, and religious missions are pooling resources to share Starlink terminals, especially in education and healthcare.
Initiatives like Paratus EduLINK, an authorized Starlink reseller, offer tailored connectivity packages for African schools, including flexible payment options and in-country support, improving affordability and sustainability.
The government has expressed interest in incorporating satellite internet services into its national broadband strategy under the Digital Economy Framework. Financial challenges with maintaining subscriptions might be addressed through community access models, subsidies, tax relief, and partnerships to reduce costs and scale deployment in rural schools.
In summary, the government and partners are actively promoting Starlink as a tool for bridging Zimbabwe’s digital divide in rural education, while working on financial and policy measures to overcome the high ongoing subscription costs. The success of this initiative will depend on effective implementation and management, ensuring that the benefits of Starlink reach rural learners and transform their educational experiences.
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The deployment of Starlink in rural schools is poised to advance technology integration in education and self-development, especially in remote areas as part of the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 plan. With Starlink, rural learners can access resources and opportunities previously unexploited due to limited internet connectivity, such as online research, live-streamed lessons, and professional development.
